Face action if you criticise govt: Centre to employees' bodies

NEW DELHI: The Centre has warned employees of disciplinary action if they indulge in criticism of the government or its policies.

The move comes after officers of Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise) and All India Association of Central Excise Gazetted Executive Officers among others suggested changes in Goods and Services Tax Network ( GSTN)-- a private company tasked with creating Information Technology infrastructure for Goods and Services Tax, and composition of Revenue Secretary-led GST council secretariat.

"Of late, it has been noticed that some associations or federations have commented adversely on the government and its policies. It may be brought to the notice of all associations or federations that if anyone indulges in criticism of the government and its policies, appropriate action (including disciplinary action) shall be taken," an order issued recently by Finance Ministry said.

It cited service rules that bar any government servant from making any adverse criticism of any policy or action of the government.

"No government servant shall, in any radio broadcast, telecast through any electronic media or in any document published in his own name or anonymously, pseudonymously or in the name of any other person or in any communication to the press or in any public utterance, make any statement of fact or opinion which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action of the central government or state government," the service rules say.

Citing existing norms, the Finance Ministry said the primary objective of the service associations is to promote common service interest of its members.

The Ministry asked chief commissioners and directors general concerned to ensure that only recognised employees associations get the benefits mentioned in the rules.